How to block unwanted calls

Carrier tools, phone settings and call-blocking apps — layered defense against robocalls.

Start with your carrier

All major US carriers ship free scam-blocking services and label suspected spam at network level. Ask your carrier what is enabled by default and what requires opting in — the FCC maintains rules allowing carriers to block clearly illegal traffic by default.

Use your phone's controls

Both iOS and Android can silence unknown callers, sending numbers not in your contacts straight to voicemail. This one setting removes the reward from most cold robocalls; genuine callers leave a message.

Add an app if needed

Call-blocking apps use crowd-sourced and carrier data to label or block calls. The FTC's guidance is to prefer apps from your carrier or a known vendor and to check what data the app collects.

Never engage

Pressing 'press 2 to be removed' or talking to an agent confirms your line is live and increases call volume. Hang up, block, report.

Sources

• FTC — How To Block Unwanted Calls
• FCC — Stop Unwanted Robocalls and Texts

FAQ

Will blocking one number stop the calls?

Rarely — campaigns rotate spoofed numbers. Blocking works best combined with carrier-level filtering and unknown-caller silencing.